Thousands of civilians in Kani Township, Sagaing Region, have been forced to flee their homes as the military council launched ground operations with approximately 200 troops. According to local residents, the military began its advance on the morning of August 16, causing residents from ten villages in the southern part of Kani Township to evacuate. The affected villages include Let Shay Win, Chaung Ma, Thin Win, and Min Ma, where civilians have been seeking refuge from the military operations.
The military columns originated from Ban Bwe village in Yinmabin Township and split into two separate columns before entering Kani Township. One column has been positioned near Let Shay village, while the other is located near the Mezaw forest area. According to a member of the local People’s Defense Force, the military is conducting reconnaissance operations alongside their advance, though no clashes have been reported so far. This marks the first major military operation in Kani Township since the junta declared martial law in the area.
The military’s advance has severely disrupted civilian life in the region, forcing residents to abandon their homes, agricultural activities, and livestock. The displaced civilians are facing significant challenges regarding food, shelter, and basic necessities as they seek safety in surrounding areas. The ongoing military operations have created a humanitarian crisis in the region, with local communities struggling to maintain their livelihoods while constantly being under the threat of military violence. This latest military movement has added to the already dire situation faced by civilians in the Sagaing Region, who have been enduring various forms of military oppression since the coup.
